May 2008
The PSP Southampton Boat Show is blowing out 40 candles this
year, and the celebrations kick off as the Show returns to
Mayflower Park in September. In association with ITV Meridian, the
Show takes place from 12-21 September 2008 and includes Europe's
largest purpose built on-water marina.
The Show, which is the sixth largest consumer exhibition in the
UK, is perfect for day trippers and boating, sailing or watersports
enthusiasts alike. Whether visitors come to consider all the latest
boating gear or simply discover a new hobby, this celebratory year
will see over 135,000 people enjoy an array of activities on the
water, and this year, National Boat Shows (NBS) is taking the Show
back to its roots, honouring the heritage and history of the past
40 years.
Andrew Williams, Managing Director of NBS, comments: "We're
delighted to be celebrating our 40th Show; we've got a great new
sponsor in PSP and there's a whole host of fantastic features that
will really draw in the visitors. The extra space available this
year means that the Show will now be bigger than ever before in its
40 year history."
Exhibitors at the Show
With over 600
exhibitors and 700 boats on display, visitors to the most exciting
Show on the South Coast won't be short of things to see. Whether
its power boats, sailing yachts or smaller dinghies; guests
attracted to the PSP Southampton Boat Show have plenty to explore.
Those visitors looking for marine accessories at the Show will also
be spoilt for choice, with many exhibitors offering chandlery, deck
equipment, clothing, holidays, charters and much more!
TOP SHOW FEATURES FOR 2008
The Hydropool Marina
For the 40th Show,
the Hydropool Marina will be bigger and better than ever before.
The impressive on-water feature will allow for nearly 400 boats for
visitors to explore, as NBS once again promotes a hands-on Show
through its Come On Board campaign.
The Feature Stage
The feature stage and big screen in 2008 will form the central
platform for spectacular birthday celebrations, bringing the Show's
glorious 40 years to life. Visitors will enjoy retro-style fashion
Shows, guest appearances from personalities and short films
celebrating the history of the Show and highlighting the last four
decades of boating - not forgetting of course the final of the
coveted Miss Southampton Boat Show competition on the final
Saturday!
Feature Boats
The feature boat line up at
the PSP Southampton Boat Show is always a spectacular line up, and
one not to be missed. This year, the first to be confirmed is
Spirit of Mystery, the vessel that Pete Goss has replicated from
the historical Mystery. Goss will attempt to sail to Australia in
Spirit of Mystery from the UK in mid-October without the aid of
modern electrical or navigational systems.
OnBoard
Younger visitors are given the chance to experience sailing
first hand through OnBoard, a fantastic initiative organised by the
RYA, supported by the British Marine Federation and sponsored by
TEAMORGIN - also a Show partner. This free feature, aimed
specifically at 8-16 year olds aims to introduce sailing as a sport
for all - whatever the needs or the ability of the individual.
Try-a-Boat
Visitors to the Show will again
have the opportunity to experience the thrill of being out on the
water with the ever popular Try-a-Boat feature. For the 40th Show
there's more boats than ever before, so whether the visitor is a
bold beginner or a sailing veteran, they can choose from a more
varied selection of the latest RIBs, powerboats and yachts to enjoy
getting out on the water for free.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DAY
The Show will
also host the new and improved Guinness Village, a favourite of
Show visitors. The ever popular Sunseeker Champagne Bar and the
Show's own restaurant are also returning, all designed to make sure
that visitors are well refreshed as they enjoy their day at the
Show.
Platinum Ticket
For the more discerning
visitor looking for that little bit of luxury, the Show will
premiere the new, exclusive platinum ticket. For £85, platinum
ticket holders will benefit from their own hospitality lounge
throughout the day enjoying complimentary tea, coffee, lunch and
refreshments.
Platinum ticket holders are guaranteed an excursion on the
Millionaire's Yacht Experience. Taking a 40 minute trip on a luxury
60 foot power boat, platinum ticket holders will also be treated to
a glass of champagne. This prestigious ticket is limited to only
108 people a day.
Andrew Williams, MD of NBS, comments: "We have listened to what
our visitors have said, taking on board their feedback, and have
decided to launch a premium ticket service to those visitors who
want more from their day out with us. From initial indications, we
are fully expecting these limited availability tickets to be sold
out everyday of the Show."
Great value for money
Visitors can enjoy
great value for money when visiting the NBS portfolio of Shows at
both Southampton and London through the flexible combi-ticket deal.
With this ticket, guests can spend two full days at either
Southampton or London, or one day at both Shows. Available via the
ticket hotline, which goes live on the 28th May 2008, on 0844 209
0333 or on the door, this great "combination" ticket deal gives
visitors the freedom to choose how they visit the UK's premier Boat
Shows. The combi-ticket deal costs just £20 in advance or £25 on
the door.
Along with the combi-ticket, visitors can once again make the
most of the successful 'Kids Go Free' promotion, where children
aged 15 or under get free admission - provided they are with a
paying adult.
Booking your tickets and planning your
day
To book tickets simply call the ticket hotline on
0844 209 0333 or book online at www.southamptonboatShow.com
from 23 May 2008. Also visit the website for the latest updates on
features and attractions, confirmed exhibitors, product launches
that will be taking place at the Show and all the information
you'll need to plan your day.